Sprouts Anti-Inflammatory Papaya Smoothie + Growing our Family!

Many of you already know, but for those who don’t, I’m so excited to share with you that our family of three will soon be a family of four! We have another little miracle due in early September, which will put Brighton and his new baby brother or sister right at two years apart. Our hearts are full of joy and we are truly so thankful for this incredible blessing.

I’m just a little over 15 weeks now and so grateful to have the first trimester behind me. This pregnancy has been harder than Brighton’s as far as nauseousness, some sickness, and just overall not feeling well. But for the last several weeks, I’ve been feeling so much better! We’ve taken on several home renovation projects in the last few weeks, and with more to come, I’m so thankful to be feeling more like myself. I truly can’t imagine handling a 19 month old in the midst of all the displacement and mess if I were still feeling like I did in those first few months of pregnancy!

Now, let’s talk about this Sprouts Anti-Inflammatory Papaya Smoothie. This papaya smoothie was inspired and created for two reasons. First, with the nauseousness in my first trimester, my normal foods just weren’t sitting well on the stomach. So in a desperate attempt to still get my fruits and veggies, I started making and eating a lot of green smoothies. I soon began experimenting with other combinations to change things up, yet get in some much-needed nutrition. And truly, at this point, all I wanted was warm, savory, cheesy, non-healthy foods. Thankfully I’m back to loving my regular salads and things again, although the constant snacking and wanting of junk food is still present…eek!

But as well as looking for ways to get in the nutrition my body needs for this little life inside me, I’ve also struggled with heartburn since being pregnant. I had this in my third trimester with Brighton, but couldn’t believe I was already experiencing it this early on. I read something early on that it has to do with the muscles around the esophagus relaxing and thus allowing acid to leak, blah blah blah. Regardless, it’s not fun. However, the enzymes in papaya can improve digestion by breaking down proteins into their individual amino acids, making it a great alternative to the over the counter anti-acids.

So first reason for this papaya smoothie, its natural aid with digestion, thus aiding in my heartburn issue. But the second reason, is for its anti-inflammatory properties. We recently found out that my dad has severe arthritis in both of his knees, and is candidate for knee replacement. In an effort to see if surgery can be avoided, we’ve done some research to see what he might be able to add to his daily diet, along with exercise and therapy, to try to reduce the inflammation and rebuild the muscle around his knees. This Anti-Inflammatory Papaya Smoothie is a great start, being that all ingredients, with the exception of a little honey, are ingredients that are great for reducing inflammation. From the papaya, strawberries, and banana to the rolled oats, hemp seeds, and ground ginger, the combination is one that is great in flavor, but also boasts a ton of nutrition while aiding in inflammation for those needing it!

And of course all of these ingredients can easily be found at Sprouts. I’m staying in Murfreesboro this week with Brighton, while Josh and my dad gut and remodel our two bathrooms {gulp!} and I’m so thankful Murfreesboro recently had a Sprouts open here, I’d be lost without it! This place is definitely my go-to store for groceries, they are constantly running great sales, and have an endless variety when it comes to health foods.

I think it’s safe to say that come August and September, I’ll be consuming lots of these papaya smoothies – with the heat and extra fluids from the baby, I’ll be looking for any and all anti-inflammatory remedies!

Sprouts Anti-Inflammatory Papaya Smoothie

Recipe Type: Smoothie

Author: Kaylee Pauley

Prep time: 10 mins

Total time: 10 mins

Serves: 2

This Anti-Inflammatory Papaya Smoothie is a great afternoon snack, sure to curb your hunger, without the bloating or digestive stress!

Ingredients

3/4 cup papaya, cubed {seeds and skin removed}

3/4 cup strawberries, sliced

1 banana, preferably frozen

1/4 cup Sprouts rolled oats {certified gluten-free if necessary}

2 tbsp hemp seeds

1 cup Sprouts Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground ginger or 1/2 tsp fresh minced ginger

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tbsp honey

10 ice cubes

Instructions

Add all ingredients to NutriBullet or Blender, blend 20-30 seconds or until smooth and creamy.

Divide into two glasses and top with additional hemp seeds, ground cinnamon, strawberries or papaya.